The London System: a calm opening for real games
The London System is popular with beginners because it leads to solid, familiar positions without heavy memorization. This page explains what the London is, why players choose it, and where it can help—or hurt—your results.
What the London System is (in plain language)
The London System is a setup opening for White that emphasizes solid development, a stable pawn structure, and piece coordination. Instead of memorizing long lines, you focus on getting your pieces to useful squares and playing familiar middlegames.
- Early development of the bishop outside the pawn chain
- Reliable pawn structure that’s hard to attack
- Less theory compared to sharp mainline openings
Video lesson: Essential theory and common traps
The video below does a good job showing the core ideas behind the London System, including typical development and a few common traps that occur when opponents ignore basic principles.
- How the setup repeats across different move orders
- Why traps only work if the opponent makes a mistake
- How patience matters more than quick attacks
Video courtesy of Remote Chess Academy. Embedded for educational commentary.
Five more London System videos...Enjoy!
Author : Remote Chess Academy GM IgorSmirnov - Rated about 2500
London System Chess Opening Guide and Variations...
- Pros: Great at showing many weaknesses of your opponent to exploit!
- Cons: Goes through initial London setup very quickly - PAY ATTENTION!
- Best takeaway: Easy to learn, but very powerful!
Author : ChessVibes Nelson Lopez - Rated about 2200
London System Traps...
- Pros: (You are going to get excited about how you are going to trap your next opponent!)
- Cons: (might be a lot of info for some folks...)
- Best takeaway: (This video shows you just how powerful the London System can be if you do it right!)
Author : Remote Chess Academy GM IgorSmirnov - Rated about 2500
London System Attacking Blueprint...
- Pros: Change of pace if you get bored with the London.But it will teach you a lot to unsettle your opponent.
- Cons: Can be tricky! Study carefully...
- Best takeaway: Since the Bishop's Opening is not as common as the London, you may be able to catch your opponent off guard!
Author : Kamryn - Rated about 2000
This Opening Got Me to 1500...
- Pros: Understand this opening very well by watching it and applying the teachings. You'll see some cool traps!
- Cons: not many cons that I see...great video! Just don't get overwhemled...:)
- Best takeaway: Will make you LETHAL if you internalize it!
Author : Chesscoach Manu
7 LONDON SYSTEM TRAPS Your Opponent Has NEVER Seen Before!
Have fun with this one!
- Pros: London System traps...powerful!
- Cons: will take study to bring to your games successfully...
- Best takeaway: If you get this down, internalize it and practice it, you will win a lot of games you otherwise would NOT have won!
My takeaways after watching and playing the London
- Comfort matters: Reaching similar positions every game reduces early stress.
- Traps are bonuses: They work occasionally, but solid play matters more.
- Patience is required: The London doesn’t force wins against accurate defense.
Pros and cons for beginners
- Low memorization burden
- Solid king safety
- Good for learning middlegame ideas
- Can feel passive if you want sharp play
- Less forcing against prepared opponents
- Requires patience and good piece placement
- Players who value structure and safety
- Beginners tired of opening disasters
- Anyone learning positional play
How to practice the London System
- Play it exclusively for 10–15 games
- Review losses for one key mistake
- Focus on piece safety and central control